Origami for the Absolute Beginner

With no more than a square of paper, a touch of glue or a piece of string, there appears under her fingers, as if by magic, fold after fold of surprise and wonder. This is the work of Adeline Klam.Having been trained at the Duperré School, Paris, in Textile Arts and Printing, Adeline has always loved the interplay of pattern and colour. But her passion for paper really began when she discovered Japanese paper or washi. She was inspired by the beauty of the original designs, learned to master the material and now runs a workshop where she exhibits and sells her creations, from origami garlands to decorative stationery.Adeline is the author of numerous books, including Simple Origami, which has sold over 22,500 copies to date. Adeline has over 40,000 Instagram followers (@adelineklam); and you can enter her colourful world at www.adelineklam.comAdeline lives in Paris, France.

What could be so difficult about folding (and gluing) paper? Striking a smart balance between the Japanese all-diagrammed directions and the word-focused U.S./European instructions, Klam provides both, without too much elaboration. Depending on ten easy folding techniques (don’t forget scissors and glue), the 40+ designs are all designated by level (one through five), feature both illustrations and step-by-step instructions, and supply occasional tips about materials and alternate uses for the finished origami. A cup becomes an open candy jar. The ubiquitous crane also functions as a place card holder. And the finished frog jumps by pressing the base on its back. Among the more unusual objects are a hedgehog, stag, Christmas tree, and lily. A difficulty guide in the appendix helps crafters quickly sort the beginner from the experienced patterns. A good choice to round out craft collections.

• TECHNIQUESDESIGNSBIRDSParrot Turtle dove Owl Dove Cockerel Seated crane Majestic craneTHE GARDENButterfly Tulip Daisy Autumn leaf Four-leaf clover Hydrangea Sakura flower Ginkgo Morning glory Campanula Dragonfly Marguerite Fir tree LilyWATERGoldfish Turtle Scallop shell FrogANIMALSCat Hedgehog Fox Panda Lion Snail Mouse Rabbit StagDECORATIONSGoblet Fan Tatou envelope Heart Star CLOTHINGShirt Ceremonial kimono Dress Simple kimono